Domestic Sex Trafficking and Prostitution: Implications of Stigmatization

Date of Award

Fall 11-22-2017

Document Type

Doctoral Research Paper

Degree Name

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Judith Fox

Second Advisor

Kimberly Gorgens

Third Advisor

Diane Guerra

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Sex trafficking, Prostitution, Stigma theory, Therapists

Abstract

This article explores how the judgments and biases of therapists who work with prostitutes and domestic sex trafficking victims may negatively affect the therapeutic relationship in important ways. To accomplish this, this article reviews the history and development of the legal definitions of prostitution and sex trafficking while outlining some issues that confound the research. It reviews literature from feminist theory and criminology which has informed legislation and interventions. It summarizes current law enforcement training guidelines, American Bar Association guidelines, and recommendations outlined by the American Psychological Association Task Force on Trafficking of Women and Girls. Stigma theory is briefly described and then applied to all women engaged in commercial sex acts. It provides a new conceptual understanding of prostitution and sex trafficking by incorporating the ways in which stigma dynamics may impact the perceptions and experiences of the psychological and legal professionals as well as their clients. Implications for increasing the effectiveness of psychological interventions with these populations are suggested. Considerations for other professional groups working with these populations are provided.

Copyright Date

11-22-2017

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

Rights Holder

Rachel K. Nielsen

Provenance

Received from Author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

40 pgs

File Size

368 KB

This document is currently not available here.



Share

COinS